Malls and Shopping Centers - Downtown LA Area

LA Fashion District - (formerly known as the Garment District) - the largest concentration of fashion-related businesses in the Western United States. The Fashion District occupies a huge area in the eastern section of downtown Los Angeles. On the Fashion District website, you can view a map that lets you know what type of clothing (Men's Wear, Women's Wear, Accessories, etc) can be found in each section of the District. Many stores post signs to indicate that they sell Wholesale only, although you can find some shops that will sell to retail consumers. Many stores accept cash only.

Santee Alley - a gathering place for countless vendors selling clothes and other merchandise. The alley is between Santee Street and Maple Street, starting at Olympic Boulevard. Santee Street is one block east of Los Angeles Street.

9th Street and Los Angeles Street - there are four major garment buildings at the intersection of 9th and Los Angeles Streets. Most stores are only open to retail vendors who buy in bulk, except during "Sample Sales."

The New Mart - Open to wholesalers only (appointment required), except during Sample Sales. On their website you will find a list of retailers who participate in Sample Sales. SAMPLE SALES: Sample Sales at The New Mart

NOTE: Advanced registration, or an appointment may be required in order to gain entry to some of the buildings - you can check for the requirements on their websites.

The REEF - (not open to the general public) a collection of three wholesale showrooms, event venues and creative working spaces that are open only to commercial buyers and retailers. The REEF is a large building that houses L.A. Mart, Maker City LA and Magic Box.

LA Flower District - (near the Fashion District) The largest flower market in the United States. The general public is able to shop the flower market after the retailer buyer shift is over (see the Flower Market website for a schedule). There is a small admission fee. The market opens to the public at either 6AM or 8AM, and closes at noon. It is not open on Sundays.

Weller Court in Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo District - ethnic Japanese markets, restaurants and gift shops. Also, there are two museums (Japanese American National Museum and the Geffen Contemporary Museum), and historical monuments. You can find Japanese shops and restaurants throughout the District, although most are concentrated in shopping centers and plazas:

Japanese Village Plaza Mall (335 E 2nd Street) - The plaza is a collection of stores and shops featuring Japanese ethnic products, groceries and services. The main entrance is on 2nd Street, but there is also an entrance on 1st Street near Central Avenue, across the street from the Japanese American National Museum.

Weller Court (123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka Street = San Pedro Street near 2nd Street) - an outdoor upscale shopping plaza with shops, restaurants. There is a memorial monument for the astronauts of the NASA space shuttle Challenger disaster which occurred in 1986.

Los Angeles Mall (201 N. Los Angeles Street) - features a small collection of stores, a CVS pharmacy and a food court. Not a large mall, but it's a place to retreat for lunch if you are in the City Hall area.

Jewelry District - The boundaries of the Los Angeles Jewelry District are along three major streets in downtown LA: Hill Street, Olive Street, and Broadway between 5th and 8th Streets. However, you will find a large concentration of jewelry outlets along Hill Street between 6th and 7th Streets. Some are large plazas containing hundreds of stores inside. Here are a few of the plazas:

The Bloc (formerly known as Macy's Plaza) - Across the street from the Metro station, The Bloc contains a Macy's department store and a small collection of mall shops.

Citadel Factory Outlets, south of downtown Los Angeles

Outside of Downtown Los Angeles

(The) Citadel Factory Outlet - (100 Citadel Drive) - This is the only factory outlet retail mall within the city limits. It's a fairly large outdoor shopping complex with most top names in retail clothing, books and other items. You can also stop for lunch or a snack at the Citadel Cafes food court. There is adequate parking behind the stores, or you can take Metro Local Line 62 from 6th and Flower (near 7th Street Metro Station - other routes exist. See metro.net to find a route closer to your starting point.) Promo Page: Sales at Citadel Outlets